Governor Josh Stein has completed his first 100 days in office, focusing on bipartisan goals and recovery efforts for Western North Carolina. During this period, Stein has emphasized the importance of rebuilding, economic development, education, and job opportunities across the state.
According to WRAL, Stein has been committed to working with both parties toward shared objectives. Speaker Destin Hall noted, “It’s going to be a long recovery with incredible devastation in Western North Carolina.” Stein’s dedication to the region’s recovery has been echoed by various media outlets.
The Asheville Citizen Times highlighted Stein’s visits to the area affected by Hurricane Helene, where he urged both state and federal governments to enhance recovery efforts: “Look, the people of Western North Carolina are there for each other. They’ve been there for each other from the very beginning. It’s time for their governments to do the same thing.”
Blue Ridge Public Radio reported on Stein’s focus on the lingering effects of Hurricane Helene: “The number one priority has been trying to help Western North Carolina recover… it’s hard for people to appreciate just how broad the swath of damage was.”
Stein has also been addressing state-wide issues since taking office. He is working on increasing pay for public school teachers and law enforcement and promoting apprenticeships. “Until we start making all of that progress, I’m never going to be satisfied,” he remarked, according to WNCN.
The Carolina Public Press observed Stein’s efforts to strengthen North Carolina’s economy, marked by the creation of over 1,600 jobs and significant investments. “Our starting teachers are the second lowest-paid in the southeast, that’s an embarrassment and unacceptable,” Stein stated as he pushed for higher teacher pay in the region.
Addressing public safety, Stein advocated for a specialized unit within the State Bureau of Investigation to tackle the backlog of sexual assault cold cases, as reported by WCTI. Stein explained, “These were cold cases that are now very warm… I want as many dangerous people off the streets so they cannot hurt anyone else.”
The News & Observer reported on Stein’s willingness to collaborate with Republicans on economic development, education, and housing. As his term progresses, Stein’s approach and initiatives will face further tests.
